Franklin University Unveils Two New Statues in Student Statue Series

For Immediate Release: September 20, 2011

Contact Sherry Mercurio, Director of Public Relations

Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its two newest “Students of Franklin” statues dedicated to the diversity of the University’s student population. The statues are meant to provide a very real connection for Franklin’s on-campus students to University alumni and to those students who share their classes with students from other states and around the globe.

As an educator of working adults, Franklin’s student body is different than students found at many traditional universities. As the University grows, the experiences and viewpoints of the student population take on a more global perspective. To celebrate this growth as well as honor the diversity of our students who come to Franklin from nearly 70 countries around the world, Franklin held a ceremony this month dedicating sculptors Celene Hawkins and Jarrett Hawkins two new statues.

The first new statue pays tributes to Franklin’s global diversity by honoring Vivian Bulley, an accounting student from the West Indies. The second provides a broader depiction of the University's growing international diversity by featuring a global sculpture with the likeness of the following Franklin University students:

The first statues in the series were created by sculptor Gary Ross honoring students in our military program, community college alliance, and campus based programs. These statues were made possible through the generous support of Barnes and Noble, Sanese Services and Paul Otte, depicting the following Franklin students:

Sgt. Major Scott Martin (eArmyU)

Linda Peltier (Community College Alliance)

Pamela Watkins (Organizational Leadership)

About the Sculptors

Hawkins & Hawkins Custom is the business partnership of married visual artists Jarrett and Celene Hawkins. Though they often join forces to execute both public and private commissioned works, both artists have highly individual personal portfolios. They have significant experience working with clients, architects, and contractors– the result of over 15 years in business together.

Gary Ross works with a variety of materials, from cast bronze and resins to carved wood and stone. Ross has not limited his career to sculpting. Over the years, he has shared his artistic talents with others through teaching in the Columbus Public Schools, the Columbus College of Art & Design, and for nearly four decades at Capital University.

About Franklin University
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. Annually, nearly 10,000 students attend Franklin, through its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, three Central Ohio locations, regional locations in Beavercreek, Ohio and Indianapolis, as well as at five co-locations across Ohio, in addition to online. Franklin offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs (including the new Social Sciences and Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Science programs) and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. The University's MBA program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe and the Middle East. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.

Franklin University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).